Israeli reports aimed to undermine Qatar’s mediation role, drag Doha into conflict: Qatar

The Israeli media reports claiming Qatar was likely to join the US military campaign against Iran were an attempt to undermine Qatar’s key role in de-escalating the conflict between the US and Iran and to drag the Gulf state into the confrontation, Qatar said on Thursday in a firm rebuttal of the allegations.

In a statement, Qatar’s International Media Office categorically rejected the reports, describing them as baseless and accusing those behind them of seeking to damage Doha’s diplomatic standing at a critical juncture.

“These allegations have been circulated by individuals seeking to draw the State of Qatar into the conflict, to undermine its pivotal role in mediation, and to push the region towards further escalation and chaos,” the office said.

Qatar reiterated that it had consistently maintained, since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict, that it had neither participated nor intended to participate in any military action against a neighbouring country.

It stressed that Qatar remained committed to diplomacy and would not allow what it described as misleading claims to derail its efforts to facilitate dialogue and reduce regional tensions.

“Qatar has not participated and will not participate in any military action against any neighbouring country,” the statement said, adding that the country would continue its mediation efforts in coordination with regional and international partners to secure a comprehensive and sustainable agreement addressing the concerns of all parties.

The International Media Office did not identify the Israeli media organisations that had carried the reports, nor did it provide further details about the claims.

The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf. The regional crisis intensified in February when the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf states hosting US military assets.

Although Iran and the US reached a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a lasting peace agreement, tensions have resurfaced in recent days over the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides reportedly exchanging fresh attacks, raising renewed concerns over regional stability.